We have been soooo busy the last few weeks that I just realized how quickly our trip to the NCAAs in Omaha, Nebraska has been sneaking up on us. We do have all of our books and other goods ready, our hotel is reserved, our friends are still on board, and our car is still running, but I haven't even begun to think about babysitting and dogsitting arrangements for our kids and dogs. Thank goodness both mine and Tom's parents live here in the city with us!
We are vending our book at the Fan Festival (see fan festival and wrestling schedule below)
March 18-20
Noon-6:30 p.m. March 18 and 20, Noon-6 p.m. March 19
Qwest Center Exhibit Hall
Admission is FREE
Between sessions, wrestling fans are encouraged to visit the NCAA Fan Festival in the Qwest Center Exhibit Hall, just a short indoor walk north from the Qwest Center Omaha. This year's fan festival will feature wrestling exhibit booths, displays, memorabilia, interactive games, souvenir, food and beverage sales, and these feature events:
Daily Main Stage Events
The NCAA Fan Festival stage will feature some of the biggest names in the sport of wrestling during daily presentations designed to keep you entertained and informed between sessions of the championships. These events include:
Native American Wrestling Hall of Fame Presentation and Autograph Session (Thursday, March 18 - 5-6:15 p.m.)
Meet some of the greatest Native Americans ever to wrestle collegiately and internationally and stick around to get autographs afterward! This presentation is presented jointly by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum and the NCAA.
Semifinals Preview Show (Friday, March 19 - 4-5 p.m.)
Hear our expert analysts - Scott Casber, Nate Carr, Wade Schalles and others - break down each of the semifinal match-ups, predict the individual and team champions and provide insider information from the mat in this one-hour preview to the most exciting night in collegiate wrestling.
NWCA Coaches Clinic (Saturday, March 20 - 2-3:30 p.m.)
Learn wrestling techniques from the best in the business at the NWCA Coaches Clinic, on the main stage of the NCAA Fan Festival. This session is beneficial to both coaches and wrestlers of all levels.
NCAA Wrestling in Philadelphia Preview (Saturday, March 20 - 5:30-6 p.m.)
Get a sneak preview of what to expect at the 2011 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia from the championships hosts.
Daily Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling Autograph Session
Get autographs from National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees such as Rulon Gardner, Bill and Jim Scherr, current USA Wrestling team members and others during these daily autograph opportunities at the Fan Festival main stage. Autograph cards are provided. Check the Schedule of Events for times.
USA Wrestling Team Practices and Presentations
Watch Olympic champions and hopefuls prepare for international competition daily between sessions on the Fan Festival center mats. Check the Schedule of Events for daily practice times and don't miss these additional feature presentations:
Big Ten vs. Big 12 Challenge (Friday, March 19 - 1:45-2:30 p.m.)
Watch former Big Ten and Big 12 Conference champions who are now part of the USA Wrestling team compete against each other in this made-for-the-fans scrimmage event!
Dan Gable Techniques Demonstration (Saturday, March 20 - 3:45-4:30 p.m.)
Listen in as coaching legend Dan Gable breaks down the various Greco-Roman and Freestyle moves and techniques being practiced by current USA Wrestling team members.
2010 Division I Wrestling Championships Schedule:
2010 General Public Tickets on Sale Monday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. CST.
SCHEDULE THURSDAY, MARCH 18
- --Session One - 11 a.m.
- --Session Two - 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 19
- --Session Three - 9:30 a.m.
- --Session Four - 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20
- --Sessions Five - 10 a.m.
- --Session Six - 6:30 p.m.
All times listed above are Central Standard Time and are subject to change.
